Sunflower Granny Square Crochet Cardigan – TUTORIAL – All free

Crocheting a cardigan can be a rewarding project, especially when you combine it with the timeless charm of granny squares. The Sunflower Granny Square Crochet Cardigan is a beautiful, versatile piece that can add a vibrant and cozy layer to your wardrobe. The sunflower motif within the granny squares brings a burst of warmth and cheer to the garment, making it perfect for both casual outings and special occasions.

In this detailed tutorial, you’ll learn how to crochet a stunning Sunflower Granny Square Crochet Cardigan from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just beginning your crochet journey, this project will help you develop your skills and create a unique, handmade cardigan. You’ll be guided through the process of making the granny squares, joining them together, and assembling the cardigan into a wearable piece of art.

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Let’s dive in and discover how to make this beautiful and cozy cardigan, using the classic sunflower motif as the focal point of your creation!

1. Materials Needed for the Sunflower Granny Square Crochet Cardigan

Before you start crocheting, it’s important to gather all the materials you will need to create your Sunflower Granny Square Crochet Cardigan. Having everything ready ensures a smooth crafting experience, so let’s go through the essential supplies:

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Basic Materials

Yarn: For a Sunflower Granny Square Crochet Cardigan, you’ll need yarn in several colors:
- Yellow for the center of the sunflowers.
- Golden Yellow for the petals of the sunflowers.
- Green for the leaves (optional, depending on your design).
- Neutral Base Color (like white, cream, or gray) for the background of the granny squares.
- Accent Colors: You can choose other yarn colors to add variety to your cardigan, such as pastel shades or earth tones.
Choose a medium-weight yarn (worsted weight) to ensure your cardigan is both durable and comfortable to wear. Depending on your size, you may need around 4-6 skeins of each color.
Crochet Hook: A 5mm (H-8) crochet hook is commonly used for worsted-weight yarn. Adjust the size if you’re using a different yarn weight to ensure your stitches are the correct size.
Scissors: A good pair of scissors is essential for cutting yarn when finishing off your squares.
Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing together your granny squares.
Measuring Tape: To measure the size of your cardigan and granny squares, ensuring a proper fit.
Stitch Markers: These are helpful when working with multiple rounds or keeping track of your stitches.
Button (optional): If you want a button closure for your cardigan, choose one that suits your style. This step is optional, as some prefer an open cardigan design.

Optional Materials

Blocking Mat: After you finish crocheting your squares, blocking them helps to even out the edges and shapes.
Fringe or Decorative Details: You can add fringe to the bottom of your cardigan for extra flair or crochet small flowers and leaves to embellish the edges.

Once you’ve gathered all your materials, you’re ready to begin crocheting your Sunflower Granny Square Crochet Cardigan.

2. Step-by-Step Instructions for the Sunflower Granny Squares

The first step in creating your cardigan is crocheting the Sunflower Granny Squares. These squares will serve as the building blocks of your cardigan. Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps.

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Step 1: Crochet the Sunflower Granny Square Motif

The sunflower granny square combines the classic granny square pattern with a beautiful sunflower design in the center. Here’s how you can create your sunflower granny square:

Make a Magic Ring: Start by creating a magic ring (also known as an adjustable loop).
Round 1: Into the magic ring, chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet), and then work 15 more double crochets into the ring. You should have a total of 16 double crochets. Slip stitch into the top of the first chain 3 to close the round.
Round 2: Chain 3, which counts as the first double crochet of the round. In the next stitch, work 1 double crochet. Repeat this across, working 2 double crochets into each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch in the top of the first chain 3.
Round 3 – Sunflower Petals: Change to Golden Yellow. Chain 3, then work 2 double crochets into the same stitch. Skip the next stitch and then slip stitch into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern of (3 double crochets into a stitch, skip one stitch, slip stitch into the next stitch) until you have a total of 8 petals.
Round 4 – Sunflower Center: Change to Yellow. In each space between the petals, work 1 double crochet, chain 1, and another double crochet. This creates the center of the sunflower. Join with a slip stitch into the first stitch.
Round 5 – Square Border: Switch back to your neutral base color (such as white or cream). Chain 3 (counts as the first double crochet), and work 2 more double crochets in the same stitch. Continue working 3 double crochets into each space between petals and corners. When you reach the corner, work 3 double crochets, chain 2, and 3 double crochets in the corner space. Repeat this for all four corners, then join with a slip stitch in the top of the first chain 3.

Fasten off and leave a long yarn tail for joining. Block your granny square to shape and set it aside.

Step 2: Make Additional Sunflower Granny Squares

To complete your cardigan, you’ll need several Sunflower Granny Squares. The number of squares you need will depend on the size of the cardigan you want to make. Here are general guidelines:

Small Size: Around 30-40 granny squares.
Medium Size: Around 40-50 granny squares.
Large Size: Around 50-60 granny squares.

You can adjust the number of squares depending on the fit and style you prefer. Make sure all your squares are the same size for uniformity when joining them together.

3. Assembling the Sunflower Granny Square Crochet Cardigan

Once you’ve completed all your granny squares, it’s time to assemble them into a cardigan! Here’s how to put everything together:

Step 1: Layout the Squares

Lay your completed sunflower granny squares on a flat surface in the desired layout. A common approach is to arrange the squares in a rectangular shape, but you can also create other shapes if desired. Arrange them as follows:

Front panels: Use a total of 15-20 squares for each front panel (adjust based on your size).
Back panel: The back panel usually requires 20-30 squares.
Sleeves: Depending on the size of the sleeve, you can use 5-10 squares for each sleeve.

Step 2: Join the Squares

Now it’s time to join the squares together! There are several ways to join granny squares, but the slip stitch join is the most common for a clean finish:

Align the Squares: Place two squares next to each other, with the right sides facing you.
Join with Slip Stitch: Insert your crochet hook through the top of both squares’ stitches, yarn over, and pull through both squares. Slip stitch to join. Continue across the row until all squares are connected.
Join the Rows: After joining the squares into rows, join the rows together in the same way.

Continue until you have a fully joined front, back, and sleeves.

Step 3: Add the Border

To finish the edges of your cardigan, crochet a simple border around the entire garment:

Single Crochet Border: With your neutral base color, work 1 single crochet in each stitch around the entire cardigan. In the corners, work 3 single crochets to keep the shape square.
Optional Ribbing: If you want a more structured look, you can add ribbing by working in a back loop only (BLO) and using half double crochets (hdc).

Step 4: Attach the Sleeves and Add Closure

Attach the sleeves by sewing them to the armholes. If you want a button closure, sew the button onto one of the front panels and create a buttonhole on the opposite side.

4. Customizing Your Sunflower Granny Square Crochet Cardigan

The best part about the Sunflower Granny Square Crochet Cardigan is that you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas for personalization:

Add More Color

You can experiment with different color combinations for the petals or background. Try using multicolored yarn for the sunflower centers or opt for a gradient effect.

Use Different Granny Square Patterns

While the sunflower design is beautiful, you can create a mix of granny squares with different patterns, such as solid squares, floral motifs, or even striped ones.

Create a Cropped Cardigan

If you prefer a cropped cardigan, simply reduce the number of granny squares used in the body. You can also adjust the sleeve length to match your style.

FAQ about the Sunflower Granny Square Crochet Cardigan

1. Can I use a different flower design for the granny squares?
Yes! You can easily substitute the sunflower design with another flower or motif. The process of joining and assembling the squares remains the same.

2. How do I adjust the size of the cardigan?
To adjust the size, simply add or remove granny squares from the front, back, and sleeves. You can measure as you go to ensure the cardigan fits your desired size.

3. Can I make this cardigan without sleeves?
Absolutely! You can make a sleeveless version of the cardigan by omitting the sleeves and simply joining the front and back panels.

4. How do I make the cardigan fit better?
If you find that the cardigan is too large or too small, you can adjust the number of squares used for the front, back, and sleeves. You can also modify the tightness of your stitches for a more fitted or relaxed look.

5. How do I care for my crochet cardigan?
To maintain your cardigan, hand wash it or machine wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water. Lay flat to dry to maintain the shape.